Customer Reviews

I'm in love!...with my shoes. Yeah...ya heard me.
The Frye Harness Ankle Boot, 8r in Black, is to die for. I've had them for about six months and they still look brand new even though I wear them nearly every other day. Frye never disappoints. If you want a tough-looking, but stylish boot without the height of a shaft, this shoe is for you. A square toe, clean soft lines, a circular buckle (purely for show) can be dressed up, as easily dressed down. Strong, supple and durable leather will take time to get used to, but you'll appreciate the longevity of these boots. And breaking them in can take a while, and some sacrifice to your feet until they get softer and shape will be required.

Order at least half a size bigger, unless you have a very narrow foot, otherwise, getting your usual size will make you groan. Most Frye boots are not made for narrowed-footed people, such as myself. I have a wide foot and the half size bigger helps to reduce the tightness around the toes. This will make the heel a bit bigger than you may like, but with a sock, it'll help in filling it out. I get reinforced heeled socks, and it's perfect. If you wear a thick sock, you'll definitely need to use the two loops on either side to get your foot in. And also...your feet will sweat if you wear thicker socks. I get breathable kinds with a reinforced heel, and it does the trick. Thin socks will wear down and hole quickly, especially if your foot is extra weird, your feet will move and rub against the insides of the boot.

These look fantastic under regular or nice pants, as well as skirts and dresses. If you're short, I'm about 5'3", and relatively proportioned, they'll come a bit higher and slightly past the ankle, right where the curve of your calf begins. If you have big calves like me, it can make your legs look stockier if you don't wear leggings or tights to mask it.

In terms of care, saddle soap it and keep it clean every once in a while, and nothing else, unless it's a clear varnish for weatherproofing or softening the leather. Frye leathers can last for ages, ages like a dream, even if you're not good at keeping them pristine. The 8R are the short version of the 12R Harness, and heels are medium height like the 12R (see my review). Just like most Frye heels/soles, depending on how often you wear them and on what surfaces you tread, soft versus hard, keep a close eye so the upkeep won't be a pain later. If you start running into the wood, where the rubber heel is attached, they'll either be ruined or cost you a small fortune to get it fixed; so seek a very good shoe repair shop to assess or to ask how to take care of them.

They do well, even in snow/ice, but just be cautious, because at just that perfect angle, your heel can slip right on an icy patch. They're not as heavy as the 12R, but they're not light either, so if you wear them all day, your feet may be aching. Not even thick comfortable or reinforced socks will save you. You just got to break the shoe in, get your feet used to it, and wear them at appropriate times.

My only problem...to wear the 12R or the 8R. Hmmm...such woes I face :). I used to freak out about price, and never bought new shoes unless the old ones broke down, or I was forced to, and when I did, they were cheap. With Fryes, all my nerves and worries fall away because I know what I'm getting is the best quality, look, design, everything. Salivate and pine for these boots? Why? Don't think about the price, you're getting your money's worth, end of the story. And once you've bought one, you'll be addicted. I have four pairs, and only wear Fryes now. And for shoe buying phobic like myself, that's saying something.